Care Managers Provide Access and Advocacy for the Elderly

Walter Cronkite said, “America’s health care system is neither healthy, caring, nor a system.” So when trauma, injury or illness occurs, the elderly need a plan of care developed and someone to coordinate the steps involved, especially if family members and loved ones are far away. Generally a fair amount of research is involved regarding local resources and the best options available, and difficult discussions need to take place regarding finances, insurances, etc. Some times family members agree on what needs to be done for that elderly parent or loved one when ill, and sometime they don’t – so having a neutral party in the process, like a Care Manager, can be a lifesaver!

Open lines of communication as well as frequent medical updates can be invaluable to the patient and to the family members. A Care Manager is someone to listen to everyone’s fears, assess the current situation and the health status of the patient, act as liason with medical staff, and advise on what are the best options available per the physician and based on the medical goals.

A compassionate Care Manager will patiently explain medical terminology, why treatment is necessary and important, then travel with the patient to the doctor’s office. The Care Manager provides professional support but also asks the questions that need to be asked, and compiles the information needed on medications and future tests, treatment or therapy. Having a licensed professional to make phone calls to doctors, therapists, attorneys, insurance and equipment providers, manage medication, handle administrative responsibilities, schedule appointments and arrange for transportation, is the simple solution to a seemingly complicated situation.

The Care Manager always keeps this goal in sight: the patient should continue to progress and their condition to improve. they should not be stressed that they are alone, fearful that they are helpless and losing their independence. The Care Manager can help the family stay informed and united during the patient’s period of treatment and recovery for illness and disease, or whether accident or injury has occurred and the patient is pre- or post surgery.

Continuing assessments, communicative reports, solutions to complex medical care or daily challenges, are all part of the services rendered by a Care Manager. Every family and individual situation has its own dynamic and difficulties, but when you need a cost effective solution to simplify a complicated medical situation a Certified Case Manger (CCM), or a Geriatric Care Manager may be the right answer. Many of these professionals are also Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP) as well.

Contact Us: Regal’s experienced, skilled, licensed and certified professionals can design and coordinate a detailed plan of care, using the best resources available, to ensure the patient receives the optimal care possible no matter what their age or medical need. Available short term or long term, and customized to fit the needs of each individual, care management services enables the client or patient to reach their optimal level of wellness and functional capability, while having an advocate with access not otherwise available. For more information regarding this service, please contact Ferial Andre, RN, CCM, CDP, at 561-499-8382 or ferialandre@regalcares.com.